Nanaimo man killed in snowmobile accident identified

The Nanaimo man killed in a snowmobile accident this past weekend has been identified by his family. He was 52-year-old Karl Baker.

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On Saturday, he was snowmobiling as part of a group of seven near Mount Callaghan, Whistler.

Whistler RCMP said Baker stopped on a cornice that suddenly gave way. He and his sled plunged 75 meters. He was partially buried. Other snowmobilers dug him out and administered CPR but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nanaimo Search and Rescue said Baker was one of their founding members and dedicated 15 years of service before retiring 10 years ago.

The president of Nanaimo Search and Rescue Carly Trobridge said Karl was "an avid outdoorsman, who always held safety and avalanche education in high regard and as key pieces of safe travel in the backcountry. Karl will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him."

His family said in a statement to CHEK News "aside from being a strong family man the only thing he loved equally was the great outdoors. Hunting - motorcycle trips - camping ...and his favourite sport of all- mountain rides on his snowmobile."